This Northern Lights experience takes you away from artificial light and on a dog-sled in the untouched wilderness of the Pasvik Valley. Just 40 minutes from Kirkenes, the Pasvik Valley offers some of the best dark-sky conditions in the region. Parts of the valley are officially certified as an International Dark Sky Park, thanks to its minimal light pollution — creating the perfect canvas for the Northern Lights. The Pasvik Valley also forms the northwestern edge of the Siberian taiga — the largest forest in the world, stretching from Finland through Norway and into Russia.
The programme
In the late afternoon, we meet at 17:00 at our office in Kirkenes, where you’ll be equipped with warm suits. From there, we drive to the kennel in the Pasvik Valley. At the kennel, you’ll meet Hannah and Eirik, a local mushing couple who live and work here year-round with their dogs. The dogs are not only beloved family members, but well-trained racing athletes, actively preparing for long-distance races such as Pasvik Trail or Finnmarksløpet — the longest dog-sled race in Europe.
After a safety briefing and introduction to the equipment, you’ll help prepare the sleds and harness the dog teams. This is a truly hands-on experience: you don’t just ride — you actively take part in caring for the dogs both before and after the tour. The sledding itself covers around 16 km and takes approximately 1.5 hours. Hannah and Eirik drive the sleds out to the trailhead, allowing you to get familiar with the dogs and terrain together with a guide or partner. From there, you’ll drive most of the tour yourselves, with your guides riding in the sled to assist, guide, and ensure safety.
The route follows quiet dog trails through dark forests and across open, frozen landscapes — ideal conditions for spotting the Northern Lights. If the aurora appears, you’ll stop along the way to watch the lights dance above or take photos.
After the sledding, there’s plenty of time to relax in the dog yard: pet the dogs, warm up by a bonfire, enjoy hot drinks, and look up at the Arctic night sky.
This is a private tour, designed for animal lovers and travelers who want an authentic, hands-on, and deeply memorable Northern Lights experience — without crowds or rush.
Mid December - Mid April
4 hours
From 17:00
English & Norwegian
2 - 4 people
Storgata 5, 9900 Kirkenes (our office, lower floor)
This tour requires moderate physical fitness, good balance, and comfort being outdoors in winter conditions. You should be confident handling animals and following instructions. For safety reasons, we cannot accommodate guests who are pregnant, have significant mobility limitations, or require physical assistance to sit securely in the sled. No previous dog sledding experience is required. Guides are with you throughout the tour to assist and ensure safety.
A “Sit Back & Relax” option is available on request, where the guide drives the sled and you ride as a passenger — ideal for guests with limited physical fitness or those who prefer a calmer experience.
Interested in this tour? Just fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. We’re excited to help you plan your Arctic adventure!
